Everton manager Roberto Martinez remains optimistic that the club will keep hold of Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines despite speculation linking them with Manchester United according to Sky Sports.

The Toffees duo have both been associated with summer transfers to Old Trafford for a reunion with former Everton manager David Moyes as the Scot looks to make his mark on the United team he inherited from Sir Alex Ferguson.

Manchester United saw an £12million bid for the England international left-back Baines rejected in recent weeks while Belgian international Fellani has been outlined as another possible transfer target for the Red Devils.

Despite this new Everton manager Roberto Martinez, who made the switch from Wigan to Merseyside shortly after Moyes departure, is playing down any speculation and claims that any interest in his squad should be taken as praise for all the hard work put in at Goodison Park.

He told reporters: “This is the moment of having speculation, having talks and clubs looking around. I see it as a real compliment – you don’t get that if you don’t perform well.

“We are Everton and we want to keep our best performers and we have got our own aims and that is very clear.

“We are not losing any sleep over that (speculation). We are really focused and trying to work as well as we can as a group, making sure that every day counts towards where we want to get.”

Martinez is plotting to make Everton a stronger side than they were under Moyes and has already taken steps by recruiting Wigan Athletic duo Antolin Alcaraz and Arouna Kone while highly-rated Barcelona youngster Gerard Deulofeu has joined on a season-long loan.